The Peculiar Case of Number Overload in Scam Victims – 2024

The Peculiar Case of Number Overload in Scam Victims

Because of the Way our Brains Work several things can Overload it!

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Number overload plays a significant role in how scam victims experience escalating financial losses and their ability to recover. Humans are equipped with an innate “number sense” that allows for a quick, intuitive understanding of small quantities, but this ability diminishes with larger numbers. When scammers request increasingly higher amounts, the victim’s cognitive clarity weakens, leading to emotional overwhelm.

Victims often become fixated on the total amount lost, viewing it not just as a financial figure but as a symbol of their betrayal, pain, and regret. This fixation intensifies their trauma, causing ongoing feelings of guilt and shame. This emotional attachment to the lost amount can hinder the victim’s recovery, as they struggle to move past the deception and deal with the overwhelming psychological impact.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-09-04T00:10:04-04:00September 4th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Cognitive Overload, Number Overload, Overwhelmed, Psychology of Scams, Scam Victim Recovery, Scam Victims, Scammers|0 Comments

Cognitive Ease – Another Way All Of Us Are Manipulated – 2024

Cognitive Ease – Another Way All Of Us Are Manipulated

An Example of How the Human Mind Makes Manipulation Easy!

You May Not Have Known It, but this is Every Bit as Important as Amygdala Hijacks in Causing Scams

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Scammers frequently exploit cognitive ease as a critical element in their deceptive practices, capitalizing on the human tendency to favor information that feels familiar, clear, and effortless to process.

This psychological principle reduces critical thinking, making it easier for individuals to accept and trust the information presented to them. Scammers achieve this by using tactics such as friendly and relatable language, appealing to emotions, or simplifying complex scenarios, all of which create a sense of comfort and reliability.

Getting Information Overload Online? – You Are Not Alone! 2024

Getting Information Overload Online? – You Are Not Alone!

Humans did NOT Evolve for the Online Life We are Living Now!

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Humans have evolved in environments with limited and manageable information flow, yet today we are constantly inundated with data from digital sources, leading to information overload/cognitive overload. This phenomenon occurs when the brain’s capacity to process information is exceeded, resulting in impaired attention, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Scammers exploit this vulnerability by using complex information to overwhelm and confuse individuals, making it difficult for them to discern essential details.

Multitasking Creates Scam Victim Vulnerabilities – 2024

Multitasking Creates Scam Victim Vulnerabilities

The Process of Multitasking Divides Our Attention and Dramatically Increases Vulnerability

Psychology of Scams

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

In today’s modern era, multitasking has become ubiquitous, driven by technological advancements and societal shifts. While initially seen as a means to enhance productivity, research has revealed its detrimental effects on cognitive function and decision-making.

The concept of multitasking emerged in the latter 20th century, coinciding with the rise of personal computers and communication technology facilitating concurrent task performance. Its prevalence increased with the advent of smartphones and other mobile devices, embedding multitasking deeper into daily routines.

Cognitive Overload